Linea, a ConsenSys-backed zkEVM layer-2 solution, has joined other stakeholders in the Ethereum community to call on Matter Labs to withdraw its trademark application for the term “ZK.”
In a social media post published on May 31, 2024, Linea emphasized that leveraging legal mechanisms to claim ownership over a cryptographic concept is antithetical to Ethereum’s decentralized and collaborative nature.
Matter Labs, the developer behind the zkSync project, has sparked widespread backlash in the last twenty-four hours over its attempt to trademark the terms “ZK” and “zero-knowledge.”
Notably, the company intends to use “ZK” as a ticker for its forthcoming token. Its filings for the trademark claim that it wants exclusivity over the term “zero-knowledge” across nine countries.
However, the Ethereum community has reacted strongly against these trademark applications. Linea’s stance reflects a broader sentiment within the community that such proprietary claims could stifle innovation and cooperation.
Several key figures in the blockchain space, including Polygon co-founders Sandeep Nailwal and Brendan Farmer, StarkWare Ltd, CEO Eli Ben-Sasson, and Polyhedra Network co-founder Tiancheng Xie. These influential voices have openly criticized Matter Labs’ trademark filing, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent.
They argued that allowing a single entity to control essential terminology like “zero-knowledge” could hinder collective advancements in cryptographic research and application.
Polyhedra Network, which already uses “ZK” as a ticker for its token, was particularly vocal in its opposition. The network condemned Matter Labs’ actions as more befitting “a robber and thief” than a contributor to the blockchain community.
However, Matter Lab’s CEO, Alex G., has replied to these criticisms, claiming that the trademark application was done to
“prevent dishonest actors from misleading their customers and confusing their products and services with the ones offered by Matter Labs.”
Though Matter Labs’ applications were reportedly submitted in February 2024 and are still awaiting a response from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), community members have made calls to rally against their successful approval. Notably, StarkWare Ltd has published an official statement with signatories from seven industry figures asking for the withdrawal of the application.
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